DJ Alex Introduces 'Pacific Notions' on KEXP

Alex Ruder aka DJ Alex here. Simply put, I'm super excited about the launch of KEXP's new specialty show Pacific Notions to kick off the new year. Or at least as excited as one can be in regards to incredibly calm and peaceful music. 

Every Sunday morning from 6-9 a.m. PT, Pacific Notions will showcase the best in neo-classical and ambient music, with explorations into downtempo, new age, post-rock, and other atmospheric styles. While traditional classical music has long found a home on terrestrial radio, there's a robust community of contemporary classical composers and musicians creating beautiful music that deserves a bigger platform on the radio. It'll be an honor to get to spotlight all of the amazing musicians and labels existing within this realm on KEXP's airwaves and provide an ideal Sunday morning soundtrack to start your day on a soothing and meditative note.

Certain artists featured on the show should already be familiar names to KEXP listeners, artists such as Sigur Rós, Ólafur Arnalds, Grouper, Brian Eno, Nils Frahm, Hammock, and the late, great Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. Yet these artists only make up the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this type of music. It's a thrill to have the opportunity to shine a brighter light on the lesser-known artists creating equally inspired music, as well as the thriving labels specializing in this field.

Every Sunday morning, expect 180 minutes of continuous gorgeous sounds with a strong focus on new and upcoming releases, a sprinkling of influential older material, a steady supply of local artists and emerging musicians from all over the world, as well as label spotlights. Down the road, I'm eager to welcome artists that will be championed on Pacific Notions to KEXP for unique in-studio performances.

Here's a 10-song playlist to give you an idea of what to expect every week on Pacific Notions. See you bright and early on January 6th.

Sample playlist: